Making a difference

Several weeks ago, a story was featured on television about a woman on the East Coast who walked on the beach in her hometown every morning. She became more and more aware of the trash that was littering the beautiful beaches she loved and so, she made a promise to herself that each day for one year she would pick up trash on her 20-minute walk.

Soon, her friends and people in the community heard about what she was doing and they vowed to join in.

What is 20 minutes a day? It is nothing.

After one year, they had gathered literally tons of garbage, and so began the commitment of a proud community.

If everyone in Port Aransas would promise to spend just 20 minutes a day picking up trash on the beach, what a difference it could make. The twice a year beach cleanup project is wonderful, but it does not begin to make a dent in the garbage that accumulates on Port Aransas beaches.

I realize the solution is to convince every person who enjoys the beach not to litter, but we can make a difference.

My husband and I grew up coming to Port Aransas, our children have grown up coming here, and I want my grandchildren to come and play on a beautiful, pristine beach – not one littered with cans, plastic, baby diapers, broken tents left abandoned and other waste.

Think about it. I have, and each time I come from now on, I pledge to spend 20 minutes a day doing what I can to help keep Port Aransas beaches clean.

Mrs. Jess Y. Womack, II

San Antonio

Too busy for us!

We are native Texans and have been visiting the island for decades in September. We also fly our plane or drive down other parts of the year. But, September is our favorite time. Most of the tourists are gone, it is cooler, prices are lower and the beaches are cleaner with the passing of a few cold fronts.

However, this September was most frustrating. Birders with cameras were clicking off dozens of pictures of one subject, blocking the walkways at the bird watch area. How many pictures does one need of one bird? Bicylists by the hundreds were clogging the roads Saturday, Sept. 24. The streets were crowded with cars. The stores were filled with shoppers Friday and Saturday. The liquor stores were busy selling alcohol to lovers or abusers. The Dairy Queen had its share of loud people riding down a high or previous night’s drinking binge. The beaches were packed Friday and Saturday. I wonder how many bought a beach parking permit? We did, and didn’t even use it because it’s the right thing to do.

Our favorite restaurant’s prices are higher than ever!

Sunday, the island appeared to be getting back to a normal September, except for the howling winds.

Maybe it was the economy driving people to areas closer to home, too many events scheduled on one weekend or just bad timing on our part. I realize those making money loved it, but for native Texans trying to enjoy the island it was very frustrating.

A visit like this helps me understand how frustrating it must be for those who live on the island year round. You have my sympathy.

I just hope this last week is not a sign of things to come and Port Aransas does not turn into another South Padre.

We’ll probably be back several times a year, but I think I will start looking at the mountains in New Mexico as a place to get away.

Bill Hoglan

Williamson County

Check the shelter

Just a note to let everyone know that if you have a missing animal, please remember to check at the Port Aransas animal shelter.

Do not just think that a coyote got it.

Your pets count on you to take care of them.

Your neighbors might trap them and you will have to check the shelter.

Also donating money or food/litter/ toys to the shelter or animal friends is great, but volunteering even a short time at the shelter itself is sorely needed.

Even one hour a week is a good thing. The dogs and cats need socializing and it will be good for you, too.

Lisa Lovegrove

Port Aransas